When the fire energy within your living space needs to be stimulated, it is advisable not to use actual fire or burn candles. Apart from the safety aspect, such fire cures are considered temporary. Some fung shui masters believe the ash they produce will simulate the earth element instead. Nowadays, fire energy is introduced through the use of incandescent lighting. This may explain why masters recommend leaving a light on for certain periods of time in a specific sector. However, fluorescent lighting does not contain fire energy. Colours such as orange, red, yellow, purple, pink and burgundy can be used to represent the fire element. Apart from painting your walls or pillars in these colours, they can also be incorporated into furniture or soft furnishings such as carpets and cushions. Artwork featuring these hues can also produce the desired effect. Fire is used to reduce the negative wood energy associated with arguments and lawsuits. It can also stimulate positive and negative forms of earth energy, such as wealth and sickness, depending on which sector it is located in. An excess of fire in the wrong sector, even in the form of colour, may increase the incidence of fire outbreaks.